January is just flying by me and for those keeping score—I am still keeping my New Year’s resolution and trying to learn all of my student’s names with the Name Tag Challenge. Every single week I am feeling more confident in my ability to remember them and I can feel a difference in how students are reacting to one another by learning each other’s name. It makes for a more convivial environment and what is not to love about that?

The last couple of weeks have been busy for me with writing this Blog and some other work I have been up to so let’s get to it, shall we?

SoulCycle X Target Tour:

I had the pleasure recently to take place on the opening night of the SoulCycle x Target in New York City which is part of a ten-city tour across the U.S. where you can enjoy free SoulCycle classes thanks to Target. Click on the link before to find out how you can sign up for the remaining dates here:

January 29-31: Atlanta, Denver and Nashville

February 5-7: Minneapolis and Los Angeles

When I arrived at the NYC class who did I spy with my little eye but Miss Nicole of Fitfulfocus.com and I grabbed a quick picture of us:

Me and Nicole!

The ride was pretty incredible with three top notch instructors and a DJ playing behind them on an elevated stage. After a 45-minute sweat session we were treated to the Rachel Platten’s“Fight Song” when all of a sudden the singer herself took the stage—really! I quickly jumped off my bike and grabbed this photo of her in action.

Rachel Platten

Overall it was a very fun experience and I wish I could have had you all there with me!

Fit Bottomed Girls Hits:

As some of you know—I am a NYC contributor for the popular fitness Blog Fit Bottomed Girls and this month I have had a whole bunch of articles featured there including:

Along with those features I have my very first workout on there as well which you can find right here (you’re welcome!)

Book Vs Movie Podcast News:

Margo Porras of She’s Nacho Mama’s Blog and I co-host the “Book Vs. Movie” podcast (that you can subscribe to via iTunes at this link) and we are started to get some media attention which is so nutty but awesome at the same time. Last week I had my first live radio interview with Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Central Time” which is an afternoon talk show.

Did you know that there will be 19 movies coming out this year that are based on books? Well I talk about the upcoming film season plus a few of my favorite (and least favorite) book to movie adaptations plus I took a few calls from listeners which made me nervous but ultimately I think it turned out well!

Carrie Underwood whom I just discovered as a kickass singer whose songs are now completely filling up my iPod. Not to sound like a total rock-centric snob but I never really “got” country/pop before but I am becoming a big fan of hers. (Honestly—Before He Cheats totally rules!!!)

Carrie keeps in shape by sticking with a vegan diet and working out as often as she can on the road. She also loves animals and took care of a stray dog last year. (Yay! Carrie!)

Carrie “Favorite Things” include:

Coconut Oil

Ezekiel Bread

Better’N Peanut Butter

Hot Yoga

So what else is in the November issue of Women’s Health?

“15-Minute Fat Blaster”

B.J. Gaddour, CEO of StreamFit.com produced this workout which can be done in 15 or 30 minutes should you want a quick butt-kicker.

“Take Yourself for a Ride”

Have you thought about taking a spin class but wasn’t sure on how to set up your bike? Try out this articles which features tips and a workout plan from Soul Cycle instructor Stacey Griffith.

“You’re Sick—Now What?” Whatever your sickly symptoms—look at this guide on how to get on the path to wellness ASAP. (And if you are really, REALLY sick—keep your butt home and away from the rest of us! Sheesh!)

“Thanksgiving with a Twist” Healthy and tasty Turkey Day recipes are featured here

“I Survived Being Stabbed” Women’s Healthhas this personal essay from Angela Champagne-From who really did live through an attack on her life by a knife-wielding, would-be kidnapper in a Minneapolis garage. Whoa!!

Naya Rivera: The Glee star models in a fashion story that is all about yummy knits and clothes that give me the “happies.” (I love autumn ware!)

Overall Grade:

A Really strong issue with beauty, fashion and lots of workout advice. Loved!

The hilarious and adorable Isla Fisher is the mother of two young girls and very concerned about their self-image and the hype machine of Hollywood. As such, she works to promote good health (rather than thinness) to her daughters and refuses to let them see her step on a scale.

Isla enjoys hiking around the mountains of Southern California plus her five-days per week yoga sessions to keep herself sane and was nice enough to share her favorite yoga poses from her instructor Kirschen Hagenlocher.

(How cute is she in outfit by the way?!)

“Get a Hot Yoga Body”

Hilaria Baldwin (who is married to actor and noted hot head Alec Baldwin) is a top level yoga instructor and she offers this 20-minute routine to get your “om” on.

“Bring Sexy Back” Try out some of these beauty tricks to get your backside ready for showing off!

“Secrets of the Stars” Curious as to what the biggest stars do to keep healthy and sane? Well look no further than this article. (Check out Cameron Diaz’ fab abs on page 92!)

“Off-Target Diagnosis?” Oof—as if I am not paranoid enough Fitness talked with doctors who say that there are several condition that are misdiagnosed in active women including UTI’s and Bronchitis. Be careful ladies!

“Eat at Your Own Risk” Food allergies are a BIG word this days in the healthy eating world. Learn the facts (and the hype) here.